Nils Holgersson (aka Thumbietot or Tummetott depending on translation)
Nils is the title character, of course, a bad, wild, lazy 14 year old boy who loves nothing more than eating and sleeping, being cruel to animals equipped with a bad disposition and a hard heart. And that’s what his own parents have to say about him! One day he turns his malevolence toward capturing an elf he has discovered, but has the tables turned when the elf shrinks him down to size. His wonderful adventures take place across the length and breadth of Sweden which he travels to on back of a goose.
Morten Goose
That goose is a domesticated bird owned by his father who looks up in longing wonder as flocks of wild geese fly overhead. Forgetting his size, Nils make an attempt to keep the gander from trying to fly away and join in the migration, but instead succeeds only in being taken along for the ride.
Akka from Kebnekaise
Akka is one of the leader of that flock of wild geese. She old, gray and very sensible and experienced in the way of the animal world. Since the shrinkage has given Nils the ability to talk with and understand animals, Akka is important to his story as wise counsel who helps him understand the ways of the animal world.
Mr. Smirre Fox
Mr. Fox, the predator, is the antagonist of the story even if it not entirely appropriate to call him the villain. His predatory instinct pits him against the geese at various points and his presence puts both Nils and the geese in danger along the way. His final act of empathy that reveals how much he his wonderful adventure has changed him is the one that most impresses Akka. That act involves Mr. Fox.
Osa the Goose-Girl
Osa the Goose-Girl is not a goose who is a girl, but rather a girl who tends to geese along with her little brother Mats. Nils knew them both back home, but never had much interest in them or cared for them before his adventure. That changes along with his attitude upon returning home.
